Month: March 2017

Everyone has a little bit of a DIY spirit in them. So, when you first experience issues with your garage door, your inclination may be to self-diagnose the problem, watch a couple of YouTube videos, and get to work. And while it may seem easy enough, DIY garage door repairs come with some pretty grave risks.

7 Reasons Why DIY Garage Door Repair Isn’t Smart

When the kitchen faucet drips, you can typically head to the local home store and get the parts you need to fix the issue. When there’s a hole in the drywall, all you have to do is purchase a couple of items and you’re ready to patch, sand, and paint. When there’s a problem with your washing machine, you can do some research and solve the issue within a matter of hours. However, when there’s a problem with your garage door, your first reaction should be to call a professional. Here are a few reasons why:

Torsion Springs Can be Seriously Dangerous

There are two types of garage door spring systems: extension systems and torsion systems. The latter – while reliable and commonly used – are very dangerous from a maintenance and repair perspective.

“Torsion springs are normally mounted horizontally above the opening of your garage door,” one expert notes. “When you pull the door down, cables attached to the bottom corners actually force the springs to wind up, in turn energizing the system. When you open the door, the springs then unwind and their energy transfers to the door, helping it to lift up and making it easier to open.”

Sounds simple enough right? Well, once these springs become compromised, they can become dangerous – or even deadly in extreme circumstances. The springs store mechanical energy when they’re tightened. If a spring breaks, the tightly wound coils quickly convert that energy and unwind in a violent and unpredictable manner. If you’re nearby, the springs could hit you in the face, eyes, arms, or chest.

You Can Make the Problem Worse

When you embark on a DIY garage door repair, you have all the right intentions. You’re probably trying to save some time and money. However, you may actually make the situation worse. Should you mess something up – which is quite likely – you could cause additional damage to the door. It’s also possible that you could trigger damage to the garage itself or any of the items inside the garage – your car included.

Falls are Dangerous and Deadly

Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed in home-related accidents. And, almost without exception, the number one leading cause is always falls. The Home Safety Council says falls account for roughly 6,000 deaths annually.

While you’re always susceptible to a fall, you should do everything you possibly can to avoid situations where falls are particularly dangerous. This includes climbing ladders to fix garage door issues.

Improper Use of Tools

Nobody wants to drive to the local home store, just to buy a tool that may only be used once for a specific job. Unfortunately, many garage door repairs require very specific tools. This means homeowners often try to get by with the wrong tools, which results in unsafe work conditions.

Not only does the risk of using the wrong tools increase your chances of further damaging your garage door system, but it could also damage the tools themselves. Furthermore, when it comes to power tools, one wrong move could lead to injury.

Falling Garage Door

Did you know that steel garage doors commonly weigh more than 100 pounds and wooden garage doors can weight several hundreds of pounds? In other words, this isn’t something you want to lose control over. Should the door come crashing down, it could damage (a) the door itself, (b) the floor beneath the door, and (c) anything standing in between the door and the floor. That last item could include you, your car, a pet, or just about anything else.

While it may seem unlikely that you’d do something to cause your garage door to suddenly come crashing down, this is actually quite common in DIY repairs. Improper disconnection of the door restraints is a huge risk that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Using the Wrong Parts

Every garage door has its own individual nuances. Some have very specific requirements in terms of parts and materials that can be used. As a DIY repairman, you may not be aware of this. As a result, you’ll probably end up purchasing whatever replacement parts you can find.

At first, everything may seem good. The door goes up and down. However, days, weeks, or months down the road, shoddy repairs can come back to haunt you. This could result in additional damage or even injury.

Fixing the Wrong Thing

Garage doors are fairly simple mechanisms, but the average person needs to spend some time studying how they work. If you’re attempting to fix a problem without doing any research in advance, you may actually end up addressing the wrong issue.

Much like human illnesses, there are often “referred symptoms” with garage doors. If you aren’t careful, you could end up fixing the symptoms as opposed to the problem itself. This is a waste of money and may make your problem even worse.

Contact Your Local Overhead Door Expert Today

As you can clearly see, your garage door isn’t something you want to tackle on your own. While it may look like a simple contraption, it’s by far one of the most complex and dangerous mechanisms in your home. The good news, however, is that help is never too far away.

As the largest moving piece in your home, the garage door should command a lot of respect and attention. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t understand that garage door openers don’t last forever and never consider the possibility of replacement. If you own a garage door opener that’s more than 15 or 20 years old – and especially a pre-1993 version – then you’ll be interested in learning more about the benefits a replacement can provide.

It’s Time to Replace, When…

The average garage door opens and shuts roughly 1,500 times per year. And while everything might seem fine one day, it’s possible that it’ll give way the next. That’s just the nature of garage door openers. Sometimes they’ll give you a warning sign, while other times they simply decide to stop functioning.

There are things you can do to ensure your garage door opener enjoys a long, safe life, but there are also a number of factors out of your control. However, one of your key responsibilities as a homeowner is to remain aware of what your garage door opener is telling you. Keep an eye (or ear) out so that you know when the time is right. Specifically, here are 5 reasons to replace your garage door opener.

1. 1993 CPSC Rule

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to children and pets who became entrapped underneath garage doors with automatic openers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) established a new set of rules in 1993 for automatic residential garage door openers.

The rule was enacted as part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 and required that any automatic garage door openers manufactured on or after January 1, 1991 conform to the various entrapment protection requirements laid out in the legislation.

The 1993 CPSC rule contains a lot of information, but the basic gist is any garage door manufactured after the ruling is required to have a safety reversing mechanism. This feature uses two sensors on either side of the door. If at any time during the closing of the door an object, child, or pet interferes with the beam running between the two sensors, the door immediately stops and reverses.

If you have a garage door opener that was manufactured and installed prior to this ruling, then it’s time to replace it with a new one. You’ll need an opener that’s equipped with a safety reversing mechanism.

Even if you have a post-1993 unit, it’s important that you regularly check the safety reversing mechanism to ensure it’s working properly. You can do this in three simple steps:

Look to the bottom of each side of the garage door and verify that the sensors are mounted no higher than six inches off the ground. Any higher and the sensors won’t be able to recognize objects in the garage door’s path.

Use an object to the block one of the sensors and then press the garage door opener button. The door should not close while you’re blocking the sensor.

Lay an object that’s 1.5 inches or higher on the ground (in the door’s path) and again press the close button. The door should begin to close and then reverse direction.

Most people aren’t aware of how important their garage door’s safety reversing mechanism (or lack thereof) is. Keep these tips in mind and check to ensure you’re compliant..

2. Noise Issues

Every neighborhood or street has that home with the noisy garage door opener. Don’t be that neighbor. Not only is it embarrassing, but it can be a nuisance for everyone. If your garage door opener has been noisy for years, you probably don’t even notice. Take this opportunity to check the noise level of your opener. Is it on par with the neighbors’ garage doors, or does it seem unusually loud?

Older garage door opener models were built with large, noisy components, while newer models use much quieter chains or belt drives. The latter is virtually silent when compared to an old chain unit. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

3. Home Security

Older garage door opener models were very low on security features. They had fixed codes that could be stolen using radio frequency identifier devices, which made them a popular entryway into the home for burglars.

On the other hand, modern models use advanced technological features with rolling codes. This means the code changes each time the door is operated. As a result, the code cannot be stolen. This prevents break-ins and enhances security. If you’re still using an older model, then it’s important that you review its security features to know whether your home is fully protected.

4. Battery Backup

Few things are more frustrating than having your car locked in the garage during a power outage. While older models have latches that can be pulled to manually open the door, these mechanisms often get stuck over the years and can be difficult for some individuals to operate.

New models have battery back up features, which are extremely useful during power outages. Your garage door can open and close for many cycles using this battery. While you may only need to use it once a year, it provides peace of mind.

5. No Outside Keypad

Older garage door opener models had manual operation. If you wanted to open the door from the outside (without the remote opener in your vehicle), you’d have to use a key. Newer models feature keypads on the outside of the garage door, which require a simple programmable code for entry. This lets you to give access to people, even when you aren’t home.

Contact a Local Expert Today

It’s easy to take your garage door opener for granted; however, it’s imperative that you give it the attention it deserves. If you have any of these five issues, then it’s time to consider replacing your outdated model with a newer and more functional solution.

A good car owner is always cognizant of upkeep and maintenance. When it comes to things like changing the oil, topping off fluids, rotating tires, and protecting leather and upholstery, we do a good job of staying on top of what needs to be done. However, for some reason, most of us don’t do as well with inspecting and maintaining the garages that house our vehicles.

The Importance of Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Your home’s garage door is extremely important in multiple respects. Unfortunately, it’s also something the majority of homeowners take for granted. In order to stress the need for regular inspection and maintenance, let’s examine the three biggest reasons why your garage door matters.

Safety. The number one reason to regularly inspect your garage door has to do with safety. As the largest moving part in your home, it would be foolish to blindly open and close this mechanism without ever reviewing its condition. If a malfunction were to occur, it could damage your vehicle, home, pets, or even children.

Security. Garage doors not only protect your vehicle from the elements, but they also protect your home from external threats. It’s the largest entry point in your home and needs to be properly cared for to ensure it doesn’t become a target for burglars and other criminals. If you’re not maintaining it, then it’s probably not doing an adequate job of keeping your family protected.

Aesthetic appeal. Finally, there’s the aesthetic appeal. A deteriorating garage door can make your home look old and dilapidated, while a new door and opener can add value to your property. It may not be as important as safety and security, but don’t discount aesthetic appeal.

When you look at your garage door in light of security, safety, and aesthetic appeal, regular inspection and maintenance suddenly becomes more of a priority. But don’t pull out your toolbox and turn on the power tools just yet. There are a few things you need to know about working on your garage door.

The Dangers of Garage Door Springs

Most homeowners have a little bit of a DIY streak in them. There’s something empowering and satisfactory in handling a job that others call the professionals for. And while there are some small maintenance jobs you can handle on your own – and we’ll discuss these in the next section – there are also many garage door-related problems you should never attempt to fix on your own.

In particular, you should never mess with the springs. Every garage door has one of two types of springs: a torsion spring or extension spring system. Extension springs stretch down either side of the horizontal track. Torsion springs are mounted horizontally on a bar above the door when it is closed. When the door is in the down position, the garage door cables attached to the bottom corners of the door cause the spring system to gain tension.. When the door is opened, the springs unwind and energy is transferred to the door so it can lift.

There are many dangers when dealing with your garage door springs. First you could cause the door to suddenly slam shut, injuring or damaging whoever or whatever is below. However, this generally pales in comparison to the risk of trying to fix or replace the torsion spring.

“Garage door [torsion] springs are tightly wound, meaning they are under a lot of tension,” explains Jeff Beneke, a garage door expert for About.com. “When they break, or when some unsuspecting DIYer tries to fiddle with them, they can cause a whole lot of pain. Wise DIYers know that this is one household chore that is best left to the pros.”

With torsion springs, there’s always risk of the door slamming and injuring someone, but it’s the spring itself that poses the biggest risk. The sheer amount of tension these springs build up over time means one wrong move can snap it out of place. An error here could mean broken bones in the hand or face. And if the force is enough to come back and hit you in the wrong place, it could mean disfigurement, concussion, or even death.

We suggest always calling the professionals to handle spring-related maintenance. In other words, this is not a DIY garage door repair.

DIY Inspection and Maintenance Tips

While you never want to work on your garage door’s extension or torsion springs without calling for professional help, there are some simple inspection and maintenance related tasks you should be able to safely handle on your own. Here are a few:

Checking Old Springs

It’s perfectly okay to visually inspect garage door springs. In fact, you should do this a few times a year. Look for anything that appears to be broken or deteriorating. If you inspect these mechanisms regularly, you should notice if something is out of place.

Testing Sensors

All garage door openers manufactured and installed after 1993 are required to have a safety reversing mechanism. Test this system regularly to ensure your family is safe. You can do it in three easy steps:

Start by locating the sensors on the bottom of either side of the door. The sensors should be mounted within six inches of the ground. If they are any higher, it’s recommended that they be lowered.

Using an object, block one of the sensors and press the garage door close button. The door shouldn’t close.

Now, lay an object that’s at least 1.5 inches high on the ground and in the pathway of the door. Press the close button and observe what happens. The door should begin to close and then reverse once hitting the obstruction.

If the garage door’s safety reversing mechanism seems to be working, then you’re good to go. If not, call a professional for a second opinion.

Lubricating Hinges and Rollers

The last thing you can do on your own is lubricate squeaky hinges, rollers, and springs. It’s best not to touch these parts, so use a bottle of white lithium grease spray. This will allow you to keep the system running quiet and smooth.

A home with a garage is a wonderful thing — wonderful, that is, when you know how to use/protect it. As great as it is to have extra storage and a place to park, those benefits become liabilities when you don’t practice proper garage safety. Keep your garage in proper working order so that it, its contents and your household members stay safe. Follow these tips for maximizing garage door safety:

Our Top 10 Garage Door Safety Tips

Keep the Opener Out of the Reach of Children. One of the most important garage safety tips is to keep your door opener out of the wrong hands. Don’t let kids — especially small children — play with the openers, and don’t keep remotes where they can access them.

Prepare for Emergencies. Should you need to open the door in case of an emergency/accident, you’ll want to know where the emergency release feature is located. Find out and be prepared.

Be Cautious. Never step, walk, run or otherwise move under a closing or opening garage door. Teach your kids to never do so.

Inspect Gears. Each month, take the time to inspect springs, cables, rollers and pulleys to know they’re still working properly.

Test Auto-Reverse. If your garage door has an auto-reverse feature, put a roll of paper towels in the door’s path on occasion to make sure it’s working. If you don’t have this feature, look into getting a door/opener that does — it can prevent serious accidents.

Watch Your Fingers! Don’t put fingers in between door sections, and teach your kids to avoid doing so. If you have small children, look for a door with non-pinch panels to help avoid injuries.

Don’t Leave Door Ajar. Never leave your garage door partially open, whether or not you’re nearby. It’s both a security and a safety risk, as someone could enter the garage (and possibly your house) and/or someone could get caught underneath if the door is reactivated.

Unplug When You’re Away. When you’re going to be out of town, unplug the door opener unit — or lock it so that it’s unusable.

Change the Code Often. Get a rolling code that changes the garage access code with each use. Or, at the very least, regularly change the standard codes on the opener and remotes.

Prevent Invasion. Always lock the door to your house when you leave, even if the garage door is closed. Should someone get your remote, it could mean access to both your garage and home if the service door is unlocked. Likewise, keep tabs on your remotes — don’t leave it with a parking attendant, for example, and consider putting it on a key ring so it stays with you at all times.

To protect your home and loved ones, follow the garage door tips above. At Garage Door Repair, we’re happy to help you repair or update your garage to make sure it’s safe and in good working condition.

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A Hacked Child’s Toy Can Open Any Garage Door In Less Than 10 Seconds

When you think of “hacking” you most often associate it with computers, bank information, and other online accounts, but it’s not just these that can be hacked. What if we told you that a child’s toy can be programed to open your garage door? Well, it’s true! A popular security researcher, Samy Kamkar, demonstrates how he can hack most garage doors using nothing more than a modified electronic toy. The product is the IM-me, which was marketed by Mattel to replicate texting on a single-use device for young girls, but is now discontinued.

Fixed Code Systems Vs. Rolling Code Systems

It’s important to note this hack doesn’t work against every garage door opener—only ones that respond to “fixed code” transmitters. The fixed code garage door system use 8-12 bit codes—that’s 4,096 possibilities. In modern technology security terms, that’s an insignificant level of security.

More secure “rolling code” systems feature advanced technology that prevents hacking of the radio signal that opens your door by selecting a new code from billions of combinations every time you open your door.

If you value not only what’s in your garage, but the safety and security of your home and family, then you’d better make sure your garage door opener uses a secure system. To ensure your garage door opener is secure, upgrade to a system that uses rolling codes, hopping codes, Security+ or Intellicode. Each time the remote is activated it automatically changes access codes, which prevents illegal entry from any type of access code signal duplication device like Kamkar’s. Current products from garage door manufacturers’ Overhead Door®, LiftMaster and Genie offer up to date security. Contact your local Garage Door Repair company to find out more about these products.

Do You Have A Vulnerable Garage Door System?

In this video, Kamkar explains how to determine if you have vulnerable garage door system.

While it might not seem like it at first blush, your home’s garage door is a very important component. It’s part of the overall exterior design, and is also the single largest piece of moving equipment in your home. Obviously, you want a garage door that is appealing, durable, and that will work without problems for years to come.

Of course, most homeowners know very little about garage doors. That’s not a problem, though. Let’s consider some of the most important facts to know before you make that decision to ensure that you are able to choose correctly.

What Kind of Garage Door Is Right for Me?

Your first choice will be the type of material you want. Typically, there are three different materials used to manufacture garage doors: wood, vinyl and metal. Each of these brings something different to the table.

Metal is the strongest of the options, as well as the most popular. Up to 85% of all garage doors in North America are manufactured from either steel or aluminum. You’ll also find that metal garage doors (steel in particular) cost less than other materials. Metal doors require little in the way of maintenance, and can be found in pretty much any style you might want, from carriage house to classic to ribbed to modern.

Wood garage doors are the oldest style on the market, but they do offer some benefits. The natural beauty of wood is undeniable, and you will also discover many styles available. Wood garage doors can vary greatly in price depending on the style and the type of construction (solid wood, composite, etc.). However, these types of garage doors do require more maintenance.

Finally, there are fiberglass and vinyl garage doors available. Vinyl offers a maintenance-free experience, and resists scratching and other forms of damage. However, the initial cost is a bit more. Fiberglass garage doors are the most expensive out there, but they can mimic the look and feel of wood without the maintenance requirements.

What Garage Door Company?

Once you’ve decided on the type of material for your garage door, you’ll need to choose a company. The problem here is that while there are many reputable garage door companies, there are some less than ideal options out there, as well. Look for a few qualities in a company before making a choice. The company should:

Provide you with written proof of warranties on material and labor

Be insured

Have a reputation for professional, courteous service

Offer references from past clients

Insist that technicians wear uniforms and supply them with clean, well-maintained service trucks

Of course, you cannot neglect the amount of training the company provides to their technicians. Make sure that all technicians are not only trained, but certified. A significant number of garage door accidents occur with improperly installed garage doors that could have been avoided if the installation technician had been trained.

When Is the Right Time to Buy?

You should replace your garage door if you notice damage, or if it is not working properly. An improperly functioning garage door can be more than an annoyance – it can be a safety hazard. Rather than becoming yet another statistic, replace your garage door early.

You may also decide to replace your garage door if you’re upgrading the exterior of your home and want to ensure that the garage matches the aesthetic of the rest of your home. Even if you’re not preparing to upgrade your home’s siding, if your garage door is dented, damaged or seriously discolored, it may be time to replace it.

Finally, many people find that they need to replace their garage door when the maintenance on their old door simply becomes too costly and time consuming.

Where Do I Buy a Garage Door?

You’ll find a surprising number of companies that can sell you a garage door. There are big-box DIY stores that can offer them, as well as many others. However, we highly recommend that you work with garage door specialists to ensure that installation is handled correctly, and that you have access to the right options for your needs.

A reputable company will be able to offer you a professional showroom, or even send an experienced sales expert to your home to take a look at the home and the installation area. We also recommend that you only work with a garage door company that employs its own technicians, and does not outsource installation.

What about the Warranty?

Warranty protection is an important consideration. You’ll find that most garage doors on the market offer some sort of warranty, but they’re not all created equal. Look for a garage door that offers full coverage of all the components, including the insulation, windows, the opener and more. You should also make sure that the warranty is written out and not provided orally, or you have no proof of protection if a problem should occur.

When Everything Is Said and Done

When it comes down to it, remember just one thing: the performance and durability of a garage door depends not just on the door itself, but on the quality of the installation.

Contact us at (613) 547-4566 to learn more about garage door options or professional installation. All of our work is guaranteed, and your satisfaction is our overriding goal. We also offer prompt responses to calls for service, and you can get a quote online at no cost.

If you decide to upgrade or change your garage door, use our online Design Centre to get the perfect solution for your needs. Just upload a photo of your home, and then customize the garage door.

Maybe you slept through your alarm and got off to a bad start. You’re rushing to get the kids up and get them out the door. It’s one thing after another, and you can already tell it’s going to be one of those days. Finally, you manage to get everything together and get ready to leave when BOOM!!! You hit the gas and run your car back into the garage door. Part of you wants to just break down and cry, and another part wants to start yelling at something. But, little by little, you manage to calm down. Now what do you do?

It could happen like that, or in any one of a number of other unpleasant and surprising ways. Accidents happen to, or involving, garage doors all the time. Maybe the driveway was slippery, or you forgot about the bike strapped to the roof of your car when you pulled in. But whatever it was that caused it, there’s a surprising number of things that can go wrong and damage your garage door. So what can you do?

It depends on just how bad the damage actually is.

Most the time it’s the bottom of your garage door that takes the brunt of the damage. Should your garage door be equipped with an electric opener, it’s entirely likely that the door can still be completely opened. The average opener is more than strong enough to lift a load of around 350 lb. (or 160 kilos). But under absolutely no circumstances should your electric garage door opener ever exceed its maximum load by any more than 10 lb. (4.5 kilos).

BEFORE you drop your garage door back down, take stock of the situation, and evaluate the damage. Are all of your rollers still where they should be, in their tracks and attached to their hinges? Are all the lifting cables still properly wound around their drums? This is very important. The entire lifting system (which includes the bottom bracket, lifting cables, and springs) is under a very high, constant level of tension equal to the full weight of your garage door. It is imperative not to touch any of those parts.

If, after your inspection, everything seems to still be operational, then go ahead and move your car out of the garage. Then, while you’re standing a safe distance (about 8 feet) away, push the button on your garage remote and see what happens. If any kind of unexpected noises occur, as if some sections or pieces of your garage door aren’t moving properly, stop your garage door from being able to be used by unplugging the opener from its outlet. And then do not touch anything else.

If your garage door has run completely off its tracks…

There is unfortunately very little you can do. But definitely do not touch anything. What you can do, though, is get on the phone and call a garage door specialist. Usually, this means checking the housing of your garage door opener. You should be able to find the number of the specialist or company that installed it there. Next, get on the phone with someone who can help you out and give you a lift to wherever it was you were going before the accident.

Do I need to call my insurance company?

This depends largely on two things: your home insurance provider can help you if your garage door was, in fact, seriously damaged. Similarly, if your car ended up sustaining damage, then your car insurance provider can help you. Sometimes, for some people, that ends up being the same provider. Just remember that the same kind of insurance that covers damage to your car, doesn’t cover your garage door.

And remember to pay close attention to the deductibles on each of your policies. You may be better off rolling with the loss than filing a claim about it.

What kind of costs can I expect to pay out for garage door repairs?

That depends entirely on the extent of the damage to your garage door, and also the age of the garage door itself. It’s possible that your door is actually so old that replacement sections for it are no longer easily or readily available. If that’s the case and it becomes necessary to have your entire garage door system replaced to ensure it all works right, expect to pay for anywhere from 2 to 2 ½ hours of labor.

But if you’re lucky and only one section has been damaged and needs to be replaced, you’ll only have to factor in the cost of a full 4-section door (7- and 8-ft. doors typically have 4 sections) and divide that by four. As with most repair work, labor costs are where the bulk of the final price comes from. And with garage doors, usually, they need to be completely taken apart except for the tracks, and then installed as if it were a totally new installation.

I think I need to replace my whole garage door…

Feel free to contact us any time at (613) 547-4566. We’ve got more knowledge and experience than anyone else in the construction industry. And based on your needs, can send you a free quote by email.

We’re happy to come to your house and explain everything in detail. We can even consult on making choices for specific situations. And if you’d like, consider checking out our design center or image gallery for inspiration.

Most people think of garage doors solely in the functional sense. If it opens and closes on demand, then all is well with the world. However, when you consider that the garage door is the largest visual of most homes, it makes sense to make them stand out. This is particularly true if curb appeal is important to you – and it should be if you plan to sell your home one day! Buyers often do drive-by inspections before they make an appointment to see the inside. Add some exciting new garage doors to your home to increase the interest in your home by more than 100%. More interest means a higher sales price which could easily cover more than the cost of installing stylish new garage doors.

Wood Appearance

With all the new styles out there you won’t have to sacrifice the durability and security of a steel garage door, even if you want the look of a wood door. A wood appearance is a very popular option right now, including the very popular carriage-style. Various styles that mimic wood give you everything from a stained wood to a painted wood appearance.

Orientation Style

Garage doors come in styles that look horizontal or give the appearance of being vertically operated. A vertical appearance is ideal for making the garage doors appear taller than they actually are which can lend an aesthetically pleasing look to your home that is unique and gains extra attention.

Windows

Adding a row of windows serves more than one purpose. Not only does it add a luxurious look, windows provide additional light during the day in your garage. If you use your garage for hobbies, laundry, and other activities, the added light will be welcome.

Miscellaneous Options

Your garage door can be as unique as you want it to be. For instance, an ultra-modern example is using an all-glass garage door as a real fashion statement. Not only can they be used as a regular garage door, but also as a moving exterior wall in another part of your home for a unique way to connect to the outdoors. You can also add other features to any new garage door or an existing one – add a pergola with vining flowers, an antique light, or specialty hardware to make your garage door reflect your personality.

Conclusion

If this has given you a few ideas for improving your home, contact us at 613-547-4566. We offer a complete line of quality garage doors that will add value and functionality to your home. Check out our Design Centre and our image gallery, and then stop by our showroom or request a quotation online.

Does your pet get separation anxiety when you leave the house? Do they tend to ruin furniture or floors while you are away? Keeping them in the garage may be the perfect solution for protecting your pet’s health and your furniture! Building an environment inside your garage is definitely possible, and with this guide you will learn how to best optimize that space to ensure your pet’s happiness and comfort! This blog will discuss all the necessary tips and tricks for giving your furry friend a great home away from home.

Scope Out Your Garage and Weigh the Pros and Cons

There are several factors that can determine whether or not the garage is a safe space for your pet to be on their own during the day. The advantages of keeping them in the garage as opposed to in a cage in the home are numerous. Consider these facts:

Your pet will have the entire garage to roam freely around, as opposed to being confined in a cage during the day. If your pet is used to being inside a cage, the cage can be moved to the garage with the door held open, so that the pet can move in and out of the cage as desired.

The garage keeps great temperatures to combat warm or cold weather. During the winter, the garage will stay warm and comfortable for your pet. During the summer, they will have a cool and dark place to relax without getting overheated. There are certain times of the year where the temperatures are too extreme for the pet to be left outside, and the garage is a great and comfortable alternative.

The pet will be away from any outside distractions or passerby. If you own a dog who barks at shapes, shadows, and people, keeping them in a well-insulated garage will prevent them from making so much noise, which your neighbors may thank you for! Not being able to see outside can also greatly reduce the stress and anxiety your pet may experience on a daily basis.

The Best Way to Introduce Your Pet to the Garage

Our best recommendation is to slowly introduce your pet to the concept of staying in the garage, if they are not accustomed to it already. If your pet has reached adulthood, it is best to not automatically leave them for an entire day to start out. Get them used to the garage by leaving them for an hour or two at a time, monitoring their reactions and seeing to their comfort levels. For puppies and kittens, you can easily continue their housebreaking lessons by putting down newspapers or a litter box. The pet will quickly learn where they can relieve themselves and where they can’t. If there are certain parts of the garage that you don’t want your pet to have access to, you can define the animal’s territory by placing blocks and barriers across certain parts, making it inaccessible to the pet. It is also wise to remove any hazards that could be harmful for your pet, such as toxic bottles, ropes, and small objects that they can swallow.

It is recommended to spend time with your pet at the beginning of their garage days, which will help your pet establish the garage as a place of comfort and happiness. Eventually, you can grant them unrestricted access to the garage for longer periods of time. Giving them a treat before you leave helps the pet feel warm and at home. In time, the pet will feel right at home in the garage.

Keep Your Garage at a Nice Temperature

Before you can regularly keep your pet in the garage, you need to make sure that it is well-insulated and protected against harsh weather conditions. Heating the garage will have little effect if there is no insulation to keep that warm temperature inside. Animals can be very sensitive to extreme conditions, so make sure to maintain a nice temperature at all times!

A recommended garage temperature during the winter is at least 50℉ or higher. Depending on your region, winter temperatures can get as low as -20℉, so keeping the thermostat at a comfortable temperature is vital. There is the problem of humidity, however. During the winter, a warm garage can become moist and hot. If this becomes an issue, you can invest in a dehumidifier for the garage that will balance out the humidity and warmth.

Maintain a Feeding Schedule and a Comfortable Environment

It is best to maintain the same feeding schedule that your pet has always had. If they only eat at certain times during the day, it may not be necessary to leave out a bowl of food. It is likely that the pet will not eat at all, as they usually have little energy while you are gone. When you return, they will probably be hungry and happy to see you! If they have a free eating schedule, leave a bowl of food and water in the garage, so they can eat if they feel up to it. Make sure they always have access to water throughout the day!

Provide familiar items and smells for your pet, to make them feel like the garage is truly an extension of their home. Offer them a comfortable bed, but also leave parts of the cool concrete exposed so they can lay there if the day is hot. Leave items and toys that the pet can play with and sniff – this will lessen their feelings of panic and separation anxiety. Toys will also prevent them from chewing on other things in the garage that they shouldn’t be chewing on.

Help! My Garage Isn’t Well Insulated!

If your garage door isn’t weather-tight, feel free to contact us by email or at (613) 547-4566. We can discuss which garage door option is best for you to ensure maximum comfort and safety for your pet. You can design your own door or view images of our existing doors. Feel free to visit our website and get a free quote!

You really should look at your garage as an extension of your home. There are so many uses for that space, but many homeowners underutilize it immensely. This is often because the area is either too hot or to cold to fit the homeowner’s liking. If that is how you feel, the issue is likely related to the lack of insulation in your garage door.

If you have a proper door, you will be amazed at the warmth you can feel inside your garage on even the coldest of days outside. This will literally transform the way you view the space in your garage, making the possibilities for its use almost endless. Consider the following uses for a garage that contains a well-insulated door and then contact us to decide on just right equipment for
your home.

Create the Workshop You Have Been Dreaming Of

Even though almost everything under the sun today can be purchased from a nearby store, there is something about doing it on our own that appeals to human nature. This is where a workshop comes into play. You can make things with wood, build new inventions, and do so much more if you only had the space to store your tools and make it all happen. What better place to do this than in the garage? A well insulated door will not only make you more comfortable while you work, but it will keep the noise down to a minimum. Your significant other will certainly thank you for this, as will your neighbors.

Make Your Own Art Studio

While you might not need a dark room to develop photos, you or someone else in the family might be an aspiring artist. The garage is a great location to spread out your pallet and let your creative juices flow. This is an idea that can actually involve the entire family, as kids love to showcase their artistic talent as well. Much of the art to be created can be quite messy, which is another reason to take it out of the main house and put it in the garage.

A Playroom That Everyone Can Enjoy

Speaking of the kids, they need to be considered in this decision as well. When it is freezing cold outside, the children can get a bit stir crazy if all they have to do is stare at the television in the living room all day. Consider turning an area of the garage into a play area where the kids can create and do whatever their hearts desire. An insulated door will keep them nice and warm while doing so, and the main house will stay clean and clutter free. Mom and dad can get in on the action as well. Think of all the forts and castles that can be created on those freezing cold afternoons!

Storage Space

Yes, we understand that this is one of the most common uses for the garage already. It bears mentioning here, however, because an insulated door can keep your precious items safer and more secure. Many people end up using their garages as a warehouse, and this shouldn’t be. Go through the garage on a regular basis and make sure that you know where everything is. Each item should have its place. If you don’t do this, you will find that you can never locate anything when you need it most. Also, an insulated garage door will keep your items for wilting or freezing up during certain seasons of the year, and this is important
as well.

Other Uses Certainly Abound

What do you currently use your garage space for? What uses can you envision? There are so many possibilities that we have not even scratched the surface here. We would love to hear what you think, as this will help us better refine the products and service that we offer our customers.

After reading this, you might have come to the realization that you need to change your existing garage door. If that is the case, please feel free to contact us anytime online, or call us at (613) 547-4566. We want to hear from you and help you design just the perfect space and use for your garage. It is our core objective to help you arrive at an informed decision that works best for you and your family.

We also have a great showroom that you might enjoy seeing. If you come down, we would be more than happy to show you around and demonstrate some of the possibilities that could be incorporated into the overall design of your own home. There are many different styles to choose from. Once you have narrowed it down, consider going online to request a free quote.

If you want to gain more of a look and feel for what a particular style of door would look like in your home, feel free to use our own design center. This will help you to create that ideal garage door you have been looking for entirely online and from the comfort of your own home or office.